Why do I need to do 40 hours of community service?
Community involvement is a ministry requirement for secondary school students. Students entering grade 9 must complete 40 hours of community involvement for their secondary school diploma.
What is the purpose of community involvement?
Community involvement encourages you to develop an awareness and understanding of civic responsibility, of the role you can play and the contributions you can make in supporting and strengthening your communities.
How do I determine which activities are eligible or ineligible?
Ministry guidelines determine which activities are eligible or ineligible for the community involvement requirement-students and parents must follow these guidelines. For example, an eligible activity is one that promotes environmental awareness or supports the work of a global nature. Ineligible activities include working for family members, activities that would normally be performed for wages, working for a political candidate or party and any activity that is a course requirement. A complete list of eligible and ineligible activities is available at your guidance office and on the Peel board web site-www.peelschools.org.
How much time do I have to complete my 40 hours?
You will have the entire period (usually four years) in which you are a high school student to complete the community involvement requirement. This time period includes summers and holidays.
What's in it for me?
You will contribute to a worthwhile community activity while developing self-confidence and making valuable contacts that may assist you in choosing a career.
What does this have to do with high school?
Classroom study is only one part of a complete high school education. Working as a volunteer, you will develop communication and social skills as well as a sense of community spirit that will benefit you as an adult.
Will my school help me find an activity?
No. This responsibility lies with you and your parents. However, your school will help you by providing: information to you and your parents, a list of appropriate activities, the Activity Record form, tip sheets and brochures. The school will also record the completion of the 40 hours on your official school transcript.
How can I complete 40 hours and still keep up with school work and a part-time job?
Try to complete the 40 hours of community service as early as possible in grades 9 and 10. Course loads in the higher grades and after-school commitments, such as part-time jobs, may not leave a great deal of "volunteer time."
Where can I do my community involvement activity?
The community involvement can be completed in and around the Peel region as long as the activity meets the approval of ministry guidelines.
How can I find a volunteer placement?
There are many sources of information to which you can turn for guidance in choosing your one or more activities. Check the Peel board web site regularly for the latest information or openings in the community. You can speak with your teachers and guidance counsellors about existing agencies and/or you can contact members of the community agencies directly. Finally, you should always consult with your parents about the activity you are about to pursue.
Will my previous community service count?
No. Your previous community service does not count towards the 40 hours. However, it does give you an advantage over those who have never volunteered before. The contacts you've made from previous volunteer experiences can assist you in finding a suitable placement to complete your 40 hours.
How can I find out if my volunteer job will be counted as part of my 40-hour community service?
You must fill out the Notification of Planned Community Involvement Activities section on your Activity Record form before starting your activity. On this form, you will be asked to check if each activity meets with the school board's approval. This way, you can make certain that your volunteer job counts as part of your 40 hours.
How do I keep track of my community involvement?
The Activity Record form contains a separate section called Completion of Community Involvement Activities to record all volunteer placements in which you participate during your four years in high school. The volunteer requirement is the responsibility of you and your parents-schools and boards are not responsible for monitoring or supervising you during your community involvement activities.
What should I do with my tracking sheet?
It is important to make a copy of the Activity Record form and keep it in a safe place in case of loss or damage.
What happens if I lose my form?
You can obtain a new Activity Record form from your homeroom teacher/advisor or by visiting the Peel board web site. If you lose the form containing the information about your community involvement activities, you will have to re-obtain the supervisor's signature for each activity. Without these signatures, the time will not be counted towards your 40 hours. You are encouraged to keep separate copies at home and at your volunteer location.
How can I figure out what the best volunteer job is for me?
It is important to consider what you want to get out of your volunteer experience. You'll get as much from your community service as you put into it. Discuss your interests and options with your parents. You should also take a look at the tip sheet entitled What to consider before taking on a volunteer responsibility: tips for getting the most out of volunteering.
How can I find out about volunteer opportunities in my community?
Check out the Peel board web site for information about volunteer opportunities in your community. Also, get acquainted with the Volunteer Centre of Peel to get guidance in finding the perfect position. You can reach the centre by calling 905-306-0668.
How can I find out more about the community involvement requirement?
For more information on completing the 40 hours, talk to your homeroom teacher/advisor or the guidance department, or contact Program Services at the Peel board at 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146, ext. 2348.
